RALEIGH -- In accordance with a new state law passed during the 2013 legislative session, the State of North Carolina will begin issuing no-fee voter identification cards on January 2.

Beginning in 2016, North Carolina will require voters to have a valid photo ID to cast a ballot when voting in person. A list of photo ID that will be acceptable for voting is available on the State Board of Elections’ website. No-fee ID cards are available for people who have no other valid forms of photo identification.

Applications for no-fee voter ID cards can be made at any North Carolina DMV driver license office. Applicants will need to present documents that verify their age and identity. Applicants will also need to provide a valid Social Security number. NCDMV has posted the requirements and documents acceptable for the Voter ID card on its

website. Voter ID cards are mailed to applicants within 10 to 15 days following application.

Under the leadership of Commissioner Kelly Thomas, the Division of Motor Vehicles conducted five rehearsals and training sessions over the past three weeks for all examiners and information technology personnel to ensure the examiners and IT professionals are trained in the procedures to issue voter identification to all North Carolinians seeking that form of ID.